(Spoiler alert: Please do not read on if you haven’t watched Tuesday’s Season 5 finale of “The Americans.”]
“The Americans” wrapped up its penultimate season on Tuesday, which included a much-needed happy twist for a fan-favorite character, along with the choice use of an Elton John hit.
Among the pivotal moments for the heralded FX drama’s Season 5 finale was Elizabeth (Keri Russell) and Philip (Matthew Rhys) opting to continue their lives as spies after learning that Kimmy’s father has been promoted to head up the CIA’s Soviet division.
Fans had a lot to say on Twitter during the episode. Here are three things they praised, in addition to one aspect of the finale that appears to have divided viewers.
Success: “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”
Elizabeth and Philip contemplated saying goodbye to their bourgeois lifestyle during a montage that was set to the 1973 Elton John tune. Fans had plenty of positive feedback for the choice of song that aired as Philip and Stan enjoyed a little racquetball.
The use of 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' in tonight's season finale of #TheAmericans the best use of music since 'Twilight Zone' in Season 2.
— Marco Monteiro (@MMonteiro90) May 31, 2017
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road takes its place among the great montages. #TheAmericans
— Brad (@ThisKindaBrad) May 31, 2017
That "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" sequence was perfect & awesome. #TheAmericans
— Natasha Padilla (@NPadillaNYC) May 31, 2017
#TheAmericans has always used music well. But the bit with "Yellow Brick Road" may have been the most perfect match of music and scene ever.
— Matt Milner (@mwmilner) May 31, 2017
Success: Martha is back
Martha (Alison Wright) appears to be getting some sunshine in her life despite her exile, as she is about to adopt an adorable Russian girl.
When Martha appears and all is right in the world. Incredible performance, @alison__wright #TheAmericans
— Jessica Field (@jessica_field1) May 31, 2017
https://twitter.com/lexaluthor/status/869758933191151616
https://twitter.com/heyjdey/status/869741261757886464
The quiet moment w/@alison__wright as Martha watching the orphan girl play was deeeep. So much subtext in her eyes. Brilliant! #TheAmericans
— Madame Soybean (@MadameSoybean) May 31, 2017
Success: Paige swings away
Elizabeth and daughter Paige (Holly Taylor) did a bit of sparring in the garage, and viewers enjoyed the shot of adrenaline, along with getting to see Paige handle that shot to the mouth in much the same way that her mom would.
Paige and Elizabeth's mini fight club tho #TheAmericans
— Ashley Reese (@offbeatorbit) May 31, 2017
Anyone else thinking Paige might just cap her mom's ass with a little more practice? #TheAmericans
— Christy Roach (@christyintx) May 31, 2017
https://twitter.com/vince598/status/869749045551562754
She keep slapping her ??. I would never train with my momma. #TheAmericans
— ?️aDreal ?️ell ? (@fewwillbechosen) May 31, 2017
But … did it lack big moments?
Was the episode a bit on the slow side, or is the show just continuing to create suspense as it heads into the final stretch? The debate rages on.
@TheAmericansFX I understand slow burn believe me but WHAT KIND OF PENULTIMATE SEASON FINALE WAS THAT?!?!? Take a lesson from #BreakingBad!
— Eden E (@MyNamesParadise) May 31, 2017
Well, the finale of #TheAmericans S5 was every bit as slow and dull as the rest of the season. What a total letdown.
— Chris Carey (@VileZero) May 31, 2017
https://twitter.com/chris_shinn/status/869954681451290624
The Js knew how they wanted to tell their story,it was beautifully done.A slow burn 4 some ppkl,but amazing storytelling 2 me #TheAmericans
— Nasty Woman Kiki (@Kiki1788) May 31, 2017
#TheAmericans is such a perfect slow burn of melancholy and dread. I love it.
— Now in Cinerama (@JacobMendelsohn) May 31, 2017